Westpac extends support of veterans through sponsorship of Invictus Games Sydney 2018

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Westpac extends support of veterans through sponsorship of Invictus Games Sydney 2018

23 April, 2018

Westpac today announced it is proud to sponsor the Invictus Games Sydney 2018, which takes place in October this year, providing support to veterans and shining a light on the employment challenges they face right across Australia.

Every year more than 5,500 personnel leave the Australian Defence Force to pursue opportunities in the civilian workforce. Unfortunately though, their high quality skills and expertise are often misunderstood.

The Invictus Games Sydney 2018, presented by Jaguar Land Rover, will take place in Australia for the first time this October. It is an international sporting event for wounded, injured and ill defence personnel and veterans, which highlights the power of sport to inspire recovery, support rehabilitation and generate a wider understanding of and respect for those who serve their country.

Westpac Chief Executive, Consumer Bank, George Frazis, a former engineer in the Royal Australian Air Force, today encouraged more Australian businesses to support veterans’ transition into the civilian workforce.

“Westpac has partnered with Invictus Games Sydney 2018 to shine a light on the issue of post-service employment issues, which are often overlooked,” Mr Frazis said.

“I am proud Westpac employs around 400 veterans, reservists and spouses of active ADF personnel, and right across the business we want to see this number grow. We see the value veterans bring to Westpac – they are highly skilled, dedicated individuals with strong leadership, team work and problem solving capabilities.

“A major barrier to veterans securing employment is a lack of understanding of the enormous value they can bring to an organisation and Invictus is an excellent platform to educate and showcase this potential to the broader community.

“I have great admiration for Prince Harry's continued commitment to help veterans in his role as Patron of the Invictus Games Foundation. Westpac looks forward to working with Invictus Games Sydney 2018 to create positive and long-lasting change for servicemen and women, stretching far beyond the Games in October,” Mr Frazis said.

Patrick Kidd OBE, CEO of the Invictus Games Sydney 2018, said the Games are much more than a sporting event.

"We are grateful to have Westpac join with us on our journey to Invictus Games Sydney 2018 presented by Jaguar Land Rover. With around 400 members of the defence community in their workforce, Westpac has long been a champion for veteran’s employment,” Mr Kidd said.

“Together we share this purpose and the partnership that we announce today will ensure the Games have an enduring impact and legacy for former military personnel well beyond October 2018.”

Rachel Ranton, Westpac’s Inclusion & Diversity Consultant, served for 11 years in the ADF as an Electronic Warfare Operator and understands first-hand the challenges faced by veterans. She is a member of Westpac’s dedicated internal employee action group (EAG), comprising veterans, reservists and partners of current serving ADF members, and helps to mentor and support new starters commencing their careers at Westpac.

“For veterans seeking employment, there can also be a lack of understanding around what opportunities and career pathways are available to them upon leaving the ADF, and how they can effectively translate their skills and experiences to match job descriptions,” said Ms Ranton.

“At Westpac, we’ve appointed a dedicated recruitment specialist to support veterans and partners throughout the hiring process, and we’ve revised HR policies to ensure the unique and valuable skills of veterans are recognised in career development pathways. Through this program we’ve employed a huge number of invaluable ex-servicemen and women.”

Ms Ranton has recently been awarded top honours at the Prime Minister’s first annual Veteran’s Employment Awards, receiving the Veteran Employee of the Year Award. Ms Ranton has also been announced as Westpac’s Ambassador for their sponsorship of Invictus Games Sydney 2018, acknowledging her passion and dedication to helping veterans transition back into the workforce.

“As a veteran, it’s incredibly humbling to win this award, and I take my role as Westpac’s Ambassador for their sponsorship of Invictus Games Sydney 2018 incredibly seriously, as an important way to continue to raise awareness about the value and experience our ex-servicemen and women can bring to businesses and the community.”

About Invictus Games

Presented by Jaguar Land Rover, the Invictus Games is an international sporting event for wounded, injured and ill servicemen and women, both active duty and veteran. The Games use the healing power of sport to inspire recovery, support rehabilitation and generate a wider understanding and respect for those who serve their country. The Games also recognise the critical role played by family and friends. “Invictus” is Latin for unconquered, and it embodies the fighting spirit and resilience of our service personnel.

The inaugural Invictus Games took place in London in September 2014 and attracted more than 400 competitors from 13 nations. The second Invictus Games was held in Orlando, Florida in May 2016. Toronto, Canada hosted the third Invictus Games from 23-30 September 2017 and the fourth Invictus Games will take place in Sydney from 20-27 October 2018 and involve more than 500 competitors from 18 nations accompanied by around 1000 family and friends.

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